Peter Donat ‘X-Files’ Star Dies at 90

Peter Donat has died at the age of 90 at his home in Point Reyes, California. His wife stated to The New York Times that the actor passed away from Diabetes complications.

Donat’s career spanned more than 50 years and was best known for portraying William “Bill” Mulder in The X-Files. Bill Mulder was Special Agent Fox Mulder’s father. David Duchovny who plays Fox Mulder sent out a Tweet remembering his on-screen father. He spoke highly of Donat; commenting he was a performer from a generation that took acting seriously, however not too serious.

Peter had an easy gravitas as a performer and seemed to come from that generation that took the art seriously but not too seriously. It was an honor to know him and work with him. pic.twitter.com/ZsmXeqZm6e

Donat was born originally as Pierre Collingwood Donat on Jan. 20 1928, Kentville, Nova Scotia. Donat changed his name to Peter when he moved to the United States in 1950, where he attended Yale studying drama. He had numerous roles in shows such as “Murder, She Wrote,” “Hawaii Five-0,” “The F.B.I,” “Charlie’s Angels” and “Dallas.”

While having many roles in Television and Movies, the actor was also known for his Broadway performances. Donat starred in many productions, playing roles such as “Bergerac,” “King Lear,”“Shylock” and “Hadrian VII.” His Broadway debut was in 1957, hoping to follow in the footsteps of his Oscar-winning uncle Robert Donat. Robert who starred in “Goodbye, Mr. Chips” inspired Donat to pursue his own acting career.

Donat was well known for his Broadway performances. (Credit – Getty Images)

The Actor has three children with his first wife, actress Michael Learned. Their children are Caleb, Christopher and Lucas. Donat and Learned divorced in 1972, marrying his current wife Marijke in 1983. He is also survived by his two stepdaughters Marina Park Sutton and Barbara Park Shapiro; his stepson, Malcolm Park; brother, Richard; and his 11 grandchildren.

Peter Donat will be remembered fondly and our thoughts go out to his family. What role do you associate him with mostly? Let us know down in the comments below.

Shaun is an avid PC Gamer, Nintendo Switch owner and proud Father. Self-proclaimed “Player of Everything – Master of Nothing.” When not playing Video Games; Shaun can be found cheering on the Tennessee Titans or spending quality time with his family.